In the days leading up to Binh Ngo Tet, strolling around Hang Ma street (Hanoi), it is not difficult to see images of horse mascots appearing densely on almost all stalls.
According to Lao Dong Newspaper's records, the horse mascot on Hang Ma street this year has a clear diversity in materials, designs and price segments.
Popular products include decorated horse models, horse-shaped stuffed animal hooks, Tet decoration trays, feather hangers or complete decorations with the theme "Success upon arrival".
Ms. Nguyen Huyen Trang - a small trader on Hang Ma street - said: "This year is the Year of the Horse, so horse mascots are very popular, and the amount of goods imported and consumed has increased sharply.
Also according to Ms. Trang, in terms of color, red and yellow still prevail, symbolizing luck, prosperity and fortune in Asian culture. Interspersed are metallic details and gold-plated patterns creating luxurious accents, suitable for the Tet display space.
Decorative items this year are diverse from hanging ropes, lanterns, lucky money envelopes, altar decoration accessories to large-sized horse models used to decorate stores, houses or Tet spaces.
Ms. Le Thi Chung - another small trader at Hang Ma - said that right after Christmas, horse mascot products have attracted a large number of customers, but purchasing power is still sluggish, and it is expected that in 2 to 3 weeks near Tet, purchasing power will increase sharply.
This year, decorative items are quite affordable. Traditional horse stickers are priced from 50 - 60 thousand VND/piece, horse mascots made of cotton with sizes from small to large range from 70 - 250 thousand VND/piece... But not many customers buy in large quantities, almost only retail customers," Ms. Chung said.
Not only a shopping place, Hang Ma street these days has also become a familiar check-in spot for people and tourists. Many young people and families stroll the streets, taking photos next to the brightly colored Spring stalls. The Tet atmosphere is therefore even more bustling.
Strolling around Hang Ma street, Hoang Ngoc Quynh (Hanoi) and her friend continuously stopped to take pictures next to the stalls filled with horse mascots.
The two also chose to buy some decorations and lucky money envelopes in horse shapes to bring home as gifts.
The image of Hang Ma street filled with red color and products with the image of a galloping horse reminds me of a new year of daring to break through, not afraid of challenges, so I bought a horse mascot to bring home to decorate my house, hoping for a truly brilliant new year," shared Hoang Ngoc Quynh.
Amidst the modern pace of life, Hang Ma street still plays a special role as a traditional Tet cultural space.
The brilliant horse mascot not only beautifies the streets, but is also a place to send faith, hope and good wishes for the Year of the Horse 2026 that is coming very soon.
